Corso 32 has been on our list of places to try for a while now, so I was excited to finally go for dinner there on Thursday night. We were going with two other couples, so I made a reservation over a week in advance. We arrived at around 8:30 and our table wasn't quite ready, but it was no big deal, they gave us all a lovely glass of prosecco to enjoy while we waited. The decor is modern, yet cozy, with exposed brick and simple glass pendant lights. The lighting is low and the atmosphere is sophisticated but relaxed. Once seated, we settled in right away with a nice bottle of red wine...I picked it, but I don't remember what it was, which is too bad, because we all enjoyed it. The menu at Corso 32 focuses on simplicity with locally sourced ingredients (when possible). Everything is made from scratch, they even cure and age their own meats.

Everything (and I do mean everything) on the menu sounded fantastic, and the deliberations around the table took awhile as we were deciding. I was leaning towards the ricotta crostini as a starter, but Trevor was really excited about the night's special: cured duck, sliced paper thin and drizzled with olive oil, and served with arugula on bread. It was really good. I loved the combination of the rich tasting duck with the fresh arugula. I also got to sample some of Allison & Vince's ricotta crostini and it was fantastic as well. The ricotta was so smooth and slightly sweet on perfectly crispy bread.

For mains, I decided on the lemon and chili porchetta. It was perfectly cooked, with a just-spicy-enough chili crust, served sliced on top of roasted ramps (think: spring onions). There was a shaved fennel and radish salad with some greens served on top. All of the flavours went together so well; it was fresh and savory and definitely hit the spot. I also need to mention that the portion was huge! I shared around the table, did my best and there was still some left on my plate at the end.

Trevor ordered the ricotta gnocchi with lamb ragu, which was also one of the evening's specials (here is a link to Daniel Costa's gnocchi recipe) . The gnocchi were large and pillowy soft, just like they should be and the ragu was delicious. He wasn't the only one that enjoyed that meal at our table. Caitlin went with the 48 hour flat steak, it must have been good because she was reluctant to share! Steven had the tagliatelle with stinging nettle pesto, which also looked fantastic. Allison couldn't resist the goat cheese ravioli (as a fellow cheese-lover I was tempted by that one as well). Vince said that there was more cheese than pasta in every bite. After the ricotta crostini and about half of the ravioli Allison was definitely on cheese overload...just in time for something sweet to finish it all off.

Although we were both full after all the amazing things we had already eaten, there wasn't any question in my mind that I would be ordering dessert. We decided on the pistachio and olive oil cake. It was sooo good. The blood orange helped to keep the flavour light and refreshing while the marscapone cheese added a richness and depth to the light, moist cake. Every single bite was scraped from our plate. The chocolate hazelnut torte and the zeppole also looked good, but they'll have to wait for our next visit.

By the time we left the restaurant it was almost midnight. It was an excellent evening enjoyed with friends and fantastic food. I can't believe we haven't been to Corso 32 sooner, and we will most certainly be back.

Messy Little Cook

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Hi, I'm Courtenay. I truly am the 'Messy Little Cook' - there's sure to be a mountain of dirty dishes and flour all over the place whenever I'm playing in the kitchen. I also love writing about restaurants, other foodie stuff and travel (when I get the chance).

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Two little ballerinas 💕 #mayowskifamily

Walking my big girl to the school bus ☀️#beautifulfallmorning #mayowskifamily

Camping in Banff for the long weekend 💕 We played, paddleboarded, hiked to the tea house, ate ice cream, roasted marshmallows and had a great time together as a family. #mayowskifamilycamping #campingwithkids #banffnationalpark #getoutside #mayowskifamily
In that last video of Hannah, the first time (off camera) she told me she loved s'mores more than me 🥺 she's working on being funny - and it actually is pretty funny

Huge THANKS to @bagelbar.yeg and @derosebrosmeats for the bagels, cream cheese, sandwiches and tots!! I won their giveaway earlier this summer and picked it up today to share with my team at work 🤤🤤🤤 everything was thoroughly enjoyed 👍

Happy Grade 1 Hannah! #firstdayofschool #yegkids #mayowskifamily

The last camping adventure of the year has begun. Tonight we're hanging out under the romantic lights of...the Bass Pro shop parking lot and listening to the soothing sounds of QE2 traffic 🙃 #parkinglotcamping #mayowskifamily

Today is our 10th anniversary ♥️ So I'm sharing 10 of my memories from our wedding day. A walk down memory lane, August 21, 2009
1) So unbelievably happy to married to this guy 😍
2) Getting ready with our moms, my sister and future sister-in-law. It felt like the greatest game of dress-up ever. I loved my wedding dress and veil
3) Walking down the aisle with my parents. I wish I could go back in time to slow this moment down. I could feel their love, support and pride
4) Seeing Trevor waiting for me at the end of the aisle. My heart was filled with butterflies, but I couldn't wait to be there with him
5) Crying while saying my vows. I knew I would cry - I'm surprised I actually got through it
6) You may kiss the bride! I made Trev practice "the kiss" before the wedding 😘
7) So greatful for our family and friends who celebrated with us
8) We slipped into the Winspear auditorium for a few photos before the reception. It felt glamorous and special to stand on the stage under the lights. While Kelsy was taking our photos the man tuning the organ was also snapping our pic
9) I surprised Trevor with an extra wedding cake (chocolate mint flavor) to apologize for my bridezilla moment when I told him that was not an acceptable wedding cake flavor 😂 everyone loved the chocolate mint cake
10) Hanging out in downtown Edmonton taking pictures with my favorite people. Everyone else was good at the sexy/serious face...me, not so much, haha. I just couldn't hide my huge smile.
Happy anniversary Trevor, I love you forever ♥️ 📸@kelsynielson @edmontonfamilyphotographer
#tenthanniversary #weddingmemories #yegweddings #husbandandwife #10yearslater #mayowskifamily

Trev made an excellent dinner of mussels in wine with homemade mayo and oven fries. The kids devoured everything. My feeding-therapist heart was glowing with pride as the kids gobbled down the mussels and asked for more (even though this kind of thing doesn't happen all the time) #adventurouseaters #dadmadedinner #foodiekids

We're really good at family pictures 🤦#mayowskifamily

Checking out the playground Trev used to play on when he was a kid, feeding Rose the Squirrel (as named by the kids) and one last popsicle before the long drive home #mayowskifamily

More beach and s'mores please! #campingincanada #mayowskifamily

Nate was so excited to take me for a ride on the board, he was shouting take my picture, it's my first paddle!
Once the kiddos were asleep Trev and I got to enjoy a sunset walk along the lake
#mayowskifamily

Family camping trip to Kimball Lake. The mornings were cool, but the afternoons were warm enough to enjoy the beautiful beach. My nature kids loved it #mayowskifamily